This summer, a group of UIC students and teachers visited Dangan Island. The visit, organized by the SGE, was a joint project between UIC and Dangan Township. The project aimed to promote local tourism and highlight the island's natural beauty and cultural richness.

Capturing the Island’s Wildlife

The students set out to document the local wildlife and community, with the goal of raising awareness about Dangan Island's tourism potential. Their first stop was the Dangan Island Nature Reserve, where they met forest keeper Liu Qingwei, who has spent the past 35 years protecting the area’s wildlife. Liu introduced the students to the island's famous macaques, which he fondly called "old friends." As Liu scattered corn kernels to feed the monkeys, he shared experiences working in the reserve, talking about the challenges and rewards of his job. His quiet determination left a deep impression on the students, who captured both the monkeys and Liu’s story on camera.

Finding Peace by the Reservoir

After visiting the nature reserve, the students explored the island’s reservoir, a peaceful spot surrounded by mountains. The scene was picture-perfect, with mountains in the background and clouds overhead. A light rain began to fall, softening the scenery and adding a touch of magic to their journey.

Listening to Local Voices

The students also had the chance to meet some of the island’s residents, including Mr. Ho, who had lived on Dangan for many years. In an interview, Mr. Ho shared his hopes for the island’s future, expressing confidence in its potential as a tourist destination. His enthusiasm was clear, reflecting the local community’s eagerness to see more visitors discover the beauty of Dangan Island.

Capturing the Night Sky

As the sun set, the group turned their attention to the island’s night sky. With no light pollution, the stars were bright and clear, offering a stunning view that many city-dwellers rarely get to see. The students captured this breathtaking scene on camera, adding yet another highlight to their project.

A Hidden Gem Ready to Be Discovered

With its beautiful landscapes, rich wildlife, and welcoming community, Dangan Island is a hidden gem in the South China Sea. Through the ongoing collaboration between UIC and Dangan Township, the aim is to present the must-see destination to nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.

As tourism in China continues to bloom, places like Dangan Island are ready to offer travelers a unique experience—combining untouched nature with the warmth of local life. The students’ journey is just the beginning, and with more exposure, Dangan could soon become a top destination for those seeking a peaceful, nature-filled escape.

Dangan Island is more than just a destination—it’s a story waiting to be discovered.

Written by: Yunting Cui, Yishuang Liang, Boyi Lin, Tianqi Tan and Haoli Wang

Photos taken by: Yunting Cui, Yishuang Liang, Boyi Lin, Tianqi Tan and Haoli Wang
Video made by : Yunting Cui, Yishuang Liang, Boyi Lin, Tianqi Tan and Haoli Wang
Proofread by: SGE-ELC